Total 911 News

Weissach takes covers off the new Porsche 991 GT3 R racer

Motorsport, News

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Josh Barnett

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Before the main event kicked off at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, Weissach launched the new Porsche 991 GT3 R, the latest iteration of the firm’s customer race car designed to the FIA’s GT3 regulations.

As Total 911 revealed in issue 125, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R is shares many similarities with the recently released Porsche 991 GT3 RS, including the downforce-increasing front wheel arch louvres and the double-bubble roof.

We’d give a lot to be in here operating the six-speed paddleshift gearbox.

The most interesting carry-over from the latest RS however is the motorsport debut of the 4.0-litre direct fuel injection flat six. Featuring variable valve timing, the engine – largely identical to its road-going brother – generates over 500hp (before and balance of performance adjustments).

Compared to its 997 predecessor, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R sees its wheelbase increase by 83mm providing a more balanced weight distribution that should result in greater cornering stability, especially in high-speed turns.

The switch to the 991 platform has seen the 911 GT3 R’s wheelbase increase.

Like the latest GT3 RS, the Porsche 991 GT3 R sees significant weight-saving across the body shell with a significant number of the panels constructed in a lightweight carbon fibre composite.

The roof, bonnet, wheel arches, door skins, decklid are all made in CFRP as are the front and rear bumpers while the main chassis features an aluminium-steel composite structure much like the current 991 road line-up.

Aerodynamically, the front arch louvres help to massively increase front downforce while the rear end is dominated by the huge two-metre-wide rear wing that, at 400mm deep, will provide ample grip over the back axles.

Unlike previous racing 911s, the Porsche 991 GT3 R sees the radiator moved into a central position in the front bumper. The change will help to protect the cooling system from collision damage while it also improves the car’s centre of gravity.

Available for teams to order from December, the new 911 GT3 R costs €429,000 (plus country-specific VAT). It is due to make its debut in 2016 though it may be seen in competition at the Nordschleife before the end of this season.

That rear wing will dominate the view of Porsche’s competitors in 2016.

For all the latest Porsche 911 race and rally news, check out our dedicated motorsport section.